What is that
Green clay is a highly appreciated and widely used product in the field of phytotherapy and cosmetics, thanks to its dermo-purifying, detoxifying, remineralizing and antibacterial properties .
Properties that, moreover, have been known since ancient times, so much so that already the ancient Egyptians and the Roman peoples used it in the treatment of various disorders, both externally and orally.
Composition
Chemical Composition of Green Clay
Green clay is made up of different compounds of inorganic origin. The most present components are oxides, such as:
- Silica, or silicon dioxide (SiO 2 );
- Alumina, or aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 );
- Ferric oxide (Fe 2 O 3 );
- Titanium dioxide (Ti2O);
- Calcium oxide (CaO);
- Magnesium oxide (MgO);
- Manganese oxide (MnO);
- Sodium oxide (Na 2 O);
- Potassium oxide (K 2 O).
Moreover, in some types of green clay there are also other elements, metals or ions, such as zinc, copper, sulfur, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and chlorine.
Did you know that ...
Green clay owes its typical color mainly to the high trivalent iron content (Fe 3 +).
Property
Properties of Green Clay
The properties of green clay are closely related to a number of different factors, such as its chemical composition (concentration of the substances it contains), the place of origin, the processing technique used and its ion exchange capacity.
However, we can say that green clay is mainly equipped with:
- Adsorbent and chelating properties (green clay is able to absorb large amounts of gas or liquids on its surface);
- Re-mineralizing properties (give them, of course, from its rich chemical composition);
- Detoxifying and purifying properties (when mixed with water and applied externally, green clay releases the minerals it contains on the skin which, in turn, gives up toxins and impurities);
- Antibacterial properties (the mechanism of action by which the green clay performs this action is not yet completely clear);
- Healing properties (the application of a poultice or green clay-based wraps seems to be able to promote wound healing);
- Deodorant properties (most probably due to the adsorbent and antibacterial properties of the green clay);
- Exfoliating properties (some of the oxides contained in green clay are mild exfoliants that make it a useful product to accelerate normal cell turnover).
Types of Green Clay
On the market it is possible to find different types of green clay, which differ from each other according to different factors, such as, for example, the place of origin of the product and its chemical composition. In this regard, we report the example of French green clay and Italian green clay.
From the qualitative point of view, the chemical composition of these two different types of green clay is the same; on the other hand, the quantitative composition varies, and consequently can influence the final properties of the product. Depending on the preparation method, we can instead distinguish the following types of green clay:
- Fine ground green clay: it is a type of green clay with a small and regular grain size. It is mainly used for external use.
- Coarse ground green clay : it is a type of green clay that has a larger grain size than the previous one and is also used for outdoor use.
- Ventilated green clay : it is a particular type of green clay that is produced by drying in the sun. It has a very fine grain size, so that the powder is almost impalpable. It is used for both external and internal use.
uses
Given the many properties attributed to green clay, it is not surprising that this substance is used in many situations.
External use
Used for outdoor use in the form of masks, wraps and poultices, green clay is used in cosmetics in the case of oily and acneic skin . Its antibacterial, purifying, detoxifying and mildly exfoliating properties help control excessive sebum production and improve the appearance of this type of skin (for more information: Clay Mask).
Given these properties, green clay is also used for the preparation of masks for oily hair (for more information: DIY Hair Masks).
Finally, remember that green clay is one of the main components of anti-cellulite mud and mud in general.
Preparation of the dough for external use
When used in the aforementioned situations, the clay is mixed with water to obtain a mixture neither too liquid nor too dense, but of a consistency such as to allow its application on the affected areas of skin. Often, the water-green clay mixture is also supplemented with vegetable extracts or essential oils, in order to encourage their action and / or to give the compound additional properties (for example, it is possible to add honey or oils / plant extracts with a moisturizing action in order to guarantee a dermo-purifying action without excessively dehydrating the skin).
Internal use
Given its great adsorbent, chelating and detoxifying capacity, green clay has been used since ancient times for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders (flatulence, digestive problems, etc.), poisoning and poisoning (from drugs, toxic substances, etc. .).
Usually, for internal use the ventilated green clay is used, as it is fine and impalpable, therefore more easily swallowed.
Ventilated clay is easily available on the market, in health food stores and in various online stores. Usually, these products are considered as a purifying remedy for the body, but many consumers use them even in case of bloating, flatulence and gastric disorders.
Preparation of green drinking clay
When the ventilated green clay is used internally, it is recommended to add a teaspoon of product to a glass filled for 3/4 with cold water. After that, the mixture must be well mixed with a wooden spoon, covered with gauze and left to rest overnight (therefore, the preparation must be done in the evening).
The following morning, it is possible to drink the mixture thus prepared: initially, it is advisable to drink only the supernatant (ie the water that overhangs the solid clayey residue deposited on the bottom); once accustomed to oral ingestion of clay, instead, there are those who claim that you can also swallow the sedimented part on the bottom.
However, before taking green clay by mouth, it is necessary to ask your doctor for advice, in order to exclude the presence of any contraindications or potential risks for the patient. In any case, oral treatment with green clay should only be done for short periods of time.
Following checks carried out by EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority) on possible risks to human health deriving from the presence of aluminum in food, the Ministry of Health has recently modified the conditions of use of food additives containing aluminum.
In light of the restrictions adopted for the use of clays as additives, starting from the productions of February 1, 2014 the use as ingredients in food supplements of the following substances is prohibited :
- sodium silicate and aluminum (E554)
- potassium and aluminum silicate (E555)
- calcium silicate and aluminum (E556)
- bentonite (E558)
aluminum silicate or kaolin (E559)
For the other clays used as ingredients in food supplements, the type and content with the indicated intake quantities must be specified on the label. Furthermore, with the notification of the label a certification must be provided on the extent of the presence of aluminum.
Green clay online
Online a very fine green clay is available in a 3 kg package. Absorbent, purifying and regenerating, this product is particularly suitable for the care of combination and oily skin. Absorbs and regulates excess sebum, eliminates toxins and impurities, revitalizes the skin and promotes cell renewal.
To prepare the clay paste, simply pour the green clay into a wooden or glass container and add water. Leave to rest for 30 minutes then mix with a wooden or plastic spatula to obtain a homogeneous paste.
Alternatively, you can opt for a sun-dried active ventilated green clay in a 500g pack, 100% natural, useful for purifying and toning the body and for daily well-being. Also for internal use. Thanks to the trace elements and the mineral salts contained in it, this product has extraordinary anti-aging, purifying and toning properties. The transformation of the ventilated green clay into active ventilated green clay has made it possible to enhance the intrinsic qualities of the clay and make the product of superior quality.
Side effects
The green clay used externally is usually well tolerated by most people, although - in individuals with particularly sensitive skin - it could prove to be a little too aggressive (in these cases, therefore, it is preferred to use red clay or white).
When taken internally, however, green clay can cause gastrointestinal disorders (such as constipation or constipation) and can reduce the absorption of different types of drugs and nutrients. Hence the importance of always asking for your doctor's advice before taking such a product orally.
In addition, excessive use and long periods of time of oral green clay can cause potassium and iron deficiencies and promote the appearance of serious side effects, such as muscle weakness, intestinal blockage, skin lesions and respiratory problems.
Finally, although rare, there is also the risk of developing allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Contraindications
The external use of green clay is considered safe, therefore, it does not present particular contraindications, except in case of known hypersensitivity to the product.
Conversely, the situation changes if the green clay is taken orally. In fact, the internal use of green clay is contraindicated in the following situations:
- In case of hypersensitivity known to the same green clay or to any of its components;
- In case of intestinal obstruction;
- In the presence of gastrointestinal hernias;
- In pregnancy (oral intake of green clay during pregnancy could, in fact, increase the risk of hypertension and edema);
- During breastfeeding (there are no adequate studies conducted on the subject, therefore, as a precaution, the internal use of green clay in breast-feeding mothers is contraindicated).
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